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Updated: May 17, 2026
Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Enrichment of mouse spermatogonial stem cells by melanoma cell adhesion molecule expression
Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara1, Hiroko Morimoto, Takashi Shinohara
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provide the foundation of spermatogenesis, but studies are hampered by their scarcity. Although the cryptorchid operation is often used to obtain an enriched SSC population, making cryptorchid testes is time-consuming and the technique is not applicable to many animal species. In the present study, we screened for a new surface antigen on SSCs using germline stem (GS) cells (i.e., cultured SSCs). Germ cell transplantation experiments showed that SSCs express melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and mediates cation-independent adhesion. Although MCAM overexpression in GS cells did not influence SSC colony formation frequency or subsequent spermatogenesis after transplantation, MCAM knockdown in GS cells by short-interfering RNA treatment reduced colony numbers, suggesting that MCAM plays a role in sustaining SSC potential. Multiparameter selection of wild-type adult testis cells with a CD9⁺EPCAM(low)MCAM⁺KIT⁻ phenotype resulted in a 561-fold enrichment of SSCs. Development of a new strategy for SSC enrichment from mature adult testes will facilitate analyses of SSCs in the normal testicular microenvironment.
Insights
Researchers identified melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) as a key marker for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Targeting MCAM enhances SSC enrichment, aiding future studies on male fertility and spermatogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Cell Adhesion Molecules
Background:
- Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are crucial for spermatogenesis but are scarce, hindering research.
- Current enrichment methods like cryptorchidism are time-consuming and species-limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel surface markers for SSC enrichment.
- To investigate the role of identified markers in maintaining SSC potential.
Main Methods:
- Screening of germline stem (GS) cells for surface antigens.
- Germ cell transplantation experiments to assess SSC function.
- MCAM knockdown using short-interfering RNA.
- Multiparameter cell sorting using CD9, EPCAM, MCAM, and KIT markers.
Main Results:
- SSCs express melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), an immunoglobulin superfamily member involved in cell adhesion.
- MCAM knockdown in GS cells reduced SSC colony formation and transplantation efficiency.
- A CD9⁺EPCAM(low)MCAM⁺KIT⁻ phenotype enabled a 561-fold enrichment of SSCs from adult testes.
Conclusions:
- MCAM plays a significant role in sustaining spermatogonial stem cell potential.
- A novel, efficient strategy for SSC enrichment from mature testes has been developed.
- This advancement will facilitate research on SSCs within their native testicular microenvironment.
